LAST HOURS OF NOVEMBER 18TH
On November 18th, the threat of the FAI militiamen who, after three searches, had said goodbye the day before with a laconic: “See you tomorrow!” is carried out. It is approximately 7pm and the scene takes place in the basement of number 4 González Longoria Street. Sister María Inés is still in bed with a fever when the group of militiamen arrive and, in a bad mood, order her to get up; the sisters want to get a blanket to cover her, but the militiamen tell them: “You don’t need a blanket, because we will cure you right away.” The seven of them went out into the street. The sick woman, staggering due to fever, leans on the arm of a sister.
With what dignity they come out! They were serene. A large crowd gathers at the door. They bravely make the sign of the cross. Immediately, shouts, insults and threats are heard and someone says: “They have to be shot right here, because they are challenging us with their actions.” They load them into the cars and take them away.
The journey is short: suddenly, a sudden stop indicates the place designated for their execution. They find themselves at the intersection of López de Hoyos and Velázquez streets, they are made to get out and a burst of bullets knocks down their bodies, leaving them cruelly destroyed.
Sister María Cecilia, the youngest of the group, upon hearing the first shot, feels how the sister she is holding falls to the ground… seized with terror, she runs away and disappears into the Madrid night… The six Salesians have just received the double crown of virginity and martyrdom.
Every November 18th, the Order of the Visitation begins a triduum to renew, on the feast of the Presentation of the Virgin on November 21st, the holy vows. The martyrs of the Visitation of Madrid have renewed their perpetual consecration with the shedding of their blood. All of them, until the end. Yes, all of them… in a few days we will witness the martyrdom of the last Salesian of the group: Blessed Mª Cecilia Cendoya.
Source: Mañana del 19 de noviembre, en la calle López de Hoyos de Madrid – ReL